September 2010, Volume 2 Issue 7

C What's Happening

Tailored for You

Welcome to My Catalyst! This new website feature, unveiled in August and for individuals from Catalyst member organizations only, enables you to select from Catalyst’s rich resources only the publications, events, and other information most useful to you—by topic, geography, industry, and specific company. In addition, Catalyst will deliver materials and links, based on your preferences, directly to your My Catalyst page.

My Mentor, My Sponsor

There’s a difference between being mentored and being sponsored. In an article in the September 2010 issue of the Harvard Business Review, two Catalyst researchers and a co-author explain what each means for career advancement. In a related tool, Maximizing Mentoring and Securing Sponsorship, leading executives speak about the impact on their careers. The tool also includes initiatives undertaken by Catalyst member organizations to mentor and sponsor effectively.

Age is Just a Number

There’s less difference than you think between the age groups when it comes to performing on the job; talent knows no age specifications. Learn what these findings mean for your organization in Beyond Generational Differences: Bridging Gender and Generational Diversity at Work, new research from Catalyst to be released September 14, 2010.

Getting on Board

A two-day training program, DirectWomen Board Institute, for women attorneys interested in serving on corporate boards, is scheduled for February 9, 2011. Apply by submitting your name and contact information. The program is sponsored by DirectWomen, a partnership between Catalyst and the American Bar Association.

Parlez Vous Français?

For the first time ever at one of its events, Catalyst does. A Catalyst Connects in Montreal on September 15, 2010, will be conducted entirely in French. Featured speakers are Monique Jérôme-Forget, Special Advisor, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP; and Anne-Marie Hubert, Managing Partner, Advisory, Ernst & Young LLP. BMO Financial Group sponsors the event series. For information, email [email protected].

The Great Quota Debate

Catalyst Europe is engaging in the debate about quotas for women on corporate boards, as more European countries consider following Norway’s lead in mandating female representation. Pascale Marcou, Catalyst’s Ambassador for the Latin countries of Europe, addresses a committee of the French Senate on the topic. Also in September, Eleanor Tabi Haller-Jordan, Catalyst Europe General Manager, speaks at the Gender Quotas in the World of Politics, Business, and Academia conference in Munich. Visit the Catalyst MAP for more Europe events.

Celebrating Our Tenth

Catalyst Canada celebrates its tenth anniversary at The Catalyst Canada Honours on October 6, 2010, by recognizing individuals for their contributions to women’s advancement. Corporate leaders from TD Bank Financial Group, Ontario Power Generation, and Scotiabank will be honoured. More than a decade ago, in our first research study in Canada, we asked “What steps could be taken to accelerate women’s professional leadership progress?” We’ve learned that champions are crucial and we look forward to celebrating our collective achievements in advancing women and business. The event is near capacity, act quickly to reserve your place.

As We C It

Invisible Women

In Catalyzing, Ilene described how women make up 47 percent of the U.S. non-farm workforce and nearly 51 percent of the population, yet are absent from the symbols, icons, images, and voices that fill our world. She called it “the invisible woman phenomenon.” Also in August, Australian guest blogger Anne Summers discussed her country’s reputation for not being receptive to, while Ilene detailed the importance of sponsorship to, women’s advancement. “Sponsors combine power, influence, and a willingness to promote you—and they have the clout to do something concrete,” she wrote. “The results can be dramatic.”

Courage to Lead

In Catalyst CanCon, Deborah Gillis, Vice President, North America, considered advances for women in the workplace, as well as the role of courageous leaders in achieving equity. Earlier, the discovery of notes for a high school debate led Deborah to imagine mentoring her 17-year-old self.

As revealed at a recent Catalyst Europe Business Roundtable, managers observed that certain performance metrics seem to be setting the wrong precedents. It’s almost like getting a cookie for saying thank you. Real change happens when rewards are ultimately motivating within the context of a company’s culture. Read more…